On February 4th 2026, AOPA announced their decision to replace Darren Pleasance as the organization’s CEO & President after only one year in the position. This decision shocked the membership and the industry, because in a relatively short time, Darren had made a significant impact connecting with pilots everywhere and becoming a strong advocate for the general aviation community.

This is Darren's first interview since leaving AOPA. We talk with Darren about the state of general aviation when he began his short tenure at AOPA, what he learned & accomplished over the past year, and his thoughts on the future of general aviation and the organizations that support it.

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“SocialFlight Live!” is a live broadcast dedicated to supporting General Aviation pilots and enthusiasts during these challenging times.

Register at SocialFlightLive.com to join the live broadcast every Tuesday evening at 8pm ET (be sure to join early because attendance is limited for the live broadcasts).

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With over 28,000 hours logged in more than 355 types of aircraft, a best-selling author with a brand-new book, and more awards than we have time to list, Barry Schiff is an aviation legend. With every article, quiz and lesson he continues to impart to us mere mortals in the aviation world, Barry continues to set a new standard in how we can all be better, safer & more educated pilots. I’m thrilled to call him a close friend and can’t wait to jump into some hangar flying, a lookback on this past year and some thoughts on 2026!

“SocialFlight Live!” is a live broadcast dedicated to supporting General Aviation pilots and enthusiasts during these challenging times. Register at SocialFlightLive.com to join the live broadcast every Tuesday evening at 8pm ET (be sure to join early because attendance is limited for the live broadcasts).

SocialFlight Partners:

Avemco Insurance www.avemco.com/socialflight

Aspen Avionics www.aspenavionics.com

Avidyne www.avidyne.com

Continental Aerospace Technologies www.continental.aero

EarthX Batteries www.earthxbatteries.com

Hartzell Engine Technology www.hartzell.aero

Hartzell Propellers https://hartzellprop.com/

Lightspeed Aviation www.lightspeedaviation.com

Michelin Aircraft https://aircraft.michelin.com/

Phillips 66 Lubricants https://phillips66lubricants.com/industries/aviation/

Tempest Aero www.tempestaero.com

Trio Avionics www.trioavionics.com

uAvionix www.uavionix.com

Wipaire www.wipaire.com

Marc Cook has been a household name in the world of aviation media and experimental aircraft for as long as I can remember. Marc took the helm of Kitplanes magazine in the early 2000s, eventually doing two separate stints as Editor in Chief before joining Van’s Aircraft in the spring of 2025. He has built two aircraft (and has his name on a third), and has flown more than 200 types over four decades. He is truly someone with an informed and unique perspective on the fascinating world of general aviation.

“SocialFlight Live!” is a live broadcast dedicated to supporting General Aviation pilots and enthusiasts during these challenging times. Register at SocialFlightLive.com to join the live broadcast every Tuesday evening at 8pm ET (be sure to join early because attendance is limited for the live broadcasts).

SocialFlight Partners:

Avemco Insurance www.avemco.com/socialflight

Aspen Avionics www.aspenavionics.com

Avidyne www.avidyne.com

Continental Aerospace Technologies www.continental.aero

EarthX Batteries www.earthxbatteries.com

Hartzell Engine Technology www.hartzell.aero

Hartzell Propellers https://hartzellprop.com/

Lightspeed Aviation www.lightspeedaviation.com

Michelin Aircraft https://aircraft.michelin.com/

Phillips 66 Lubricants https://phillips66lubricants.com/industries/aviation/

Tempest Aero www.tempestaero.com

Trio Avionics www.trioavionics.com

uAvionix www.uavionix.com

Wipaire www.wipaire.com